Prior to joining Clapton's band, Terry was a South Florida guitarist and session musician who had played with several bands including "GAME" who released two albums in 1970 and 1971. Terry was the group's featured lead guitarist and bassist, and wrote several songs on both albums.

Terry was a songwriter for Clapton, including co-author of the 1977 song "Lay Down Sally".[1][2] Clapton also recorded Terry's "Mainline Florida" and "Don't Blame Me". Terry was a member of Clapton's studio and touring band until it was dissolved in 1979.

Life is a 1981 album by Terry and Kitty Woodson.[3][4] Its song "Cool Down" was released as a single.[5] "E.T. Phone Home", a song co-authored by Terry and Woodson, reached the UK singles chart in 1983.[6][7]

In 2001 The Bellamy Brothers released The 25 Year Collection. One of its singles, "What'll I Do," was written by Terry.[1]